Stella...Always About The Beach

JennyKate's Spot: Out To The RHOK

2011-06-18T21:44:00.000-07:00

I Confess

2011-06-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

So, one of these days, I'm going to book a trip with the gals who tore up Austin!

I confess: My kids are laying on couch watching Charlie and Chocolate Factory. I haven't heard from them in 20 minutes. I think they are asleep. It is 9:22 PM. Damn Arizona sun comes out at 4:30 AM, so the first thing they say to me in the morning is, "Is it wake up time?" Usually, that's at 5 AM, so they are sleeping by 8 PM.

I confess: I went to a Kindergarten Orientation on my 10th anniversary and they stated you should have your 5 year old in bed at 7:30 PM...and I laughed out loud.

I confess: Once school started, my little boy was in bed at 8PM and out cold!! There was a good 3 weeks of very bad behavior after school, which is normal development stage. I was doubting whether he should have went to Kindergarten or stayed home an extra year....by the way, I'm glad he went!

I confess: I let them stay up late tonight, so they will at least sleep till 6 AM.

I confess: I talk about my kids more than my job. I am a blog following Mama because of my kids, not my job....so why do I only have 13 followers...that's really sad!

I confess: I just checked on my kids and put each one to bed. It's now 9:30PM.

I confess: It's tough to transfer a six year old who weighs 51 pounds and a 4 year old who weighs 43 pounds.

I confess: I'm sad that they are not little anymore....

And I'll leave you at that...I have two happy (for the most part), healthy, boy and girl. I am done with kids (although the tubes haven't been tied...and don't even ask about the snip, snip with the DH). He won't do it. But, I do miss some of the toddler days...enjoy it while you can!

I confess: My camera needs to be charged (like for the past 2 months), so I can't take a pic of my kids sleeping on the couch...it was a great pic too..ho hum!

And, now I'll take a sip of the red...small bottle that I've had this evening!

We Want To Know Wednesdays!

2011-06-08T14:54:00.000-07:00

In the attempt to get to know me better, I’m going to try my hand at We Want To Know Wednesdays!

Impulsive Addict, Janette, Mamarazzi and Seriously Shawn are the brains behind this one!

This week Janette is asking the questions and she wants to know...

1.) Everyone seems to have a quirky family situation. What is something unique about your family dynamic?

I’ve always prided myself that my family is relatively normal compared to the drama many other families may have. Over the past 4 years, I’ve learned that every family, EVERY family has some sort of disfunction (well, except my husband, two children and I). Let’s just say, there’s been some interesting times with extended family and religious cults, rehab, materialism…but let’s just focus this one on me and my family! My husband is a police officer, so I pride myself in being a very independent and strong woman. There are times when I feel like a single Mom since our schedules are different. But, this allows us not to spend money on after school childcare since DH can pick him up. But in the end, I wouldn’t have it any other way. We balance each other out nicely. Each one of us knows each other so well that he is my best friend.

2.) What is the most stressful aspect to blogging {aside from the network going down}? I have to be careful what I write. With my husband’s profession, I’ve learned there are a lot of freaks in this world! Plus, there is a level of professionalism I want to maintain, yet I want people to see me for who I really am. Therefore, my alter ego, Stella! Oh, and can someone help me out so I don’t have 13 freakin’ followers anymore!

3.) We all end up on a blog at some point in our day, but name your top three favorite websites you flock to daily {non blog}.

I am on Facebook several times throughout the day! My full-time job is teaching faculty how to teach online, so I’m on Blackboard and my college website all the time too! I tend to go to News sites like CNN and my hometown newspaper. But, I have to always see what the pop culture industry is doing so, I go to http://www.people.com and http://www.tmz.com.

4.} What's your sign? Believe in it or not, does any part ring true to you? I’m a Virgo. I remember when I was in 6th grade, a very mature 8^th grade boy asked my sign and I told him I was a virgin. He started to laugh and I really didn’t know what a virgin was at the time.

Virgo is a very independent zodiac sign. They are fully able to put their intelligence to use and get things done for themselves. (Very true, and I believe I just stated I thought I was very independent.)

They are truthful, loyal and determined. Some people might find them cold or emotionally detached because they live in their minds, not in their emotions and feelings. It might be hard to pin down how a Virgo friend is feeling because they easily live in denial. (I try very hard to not let people see how I am truly feeling. However, I am very sensitive inside and tear up at everything.)

Virgos are very intelligent, they have an excellent memory and a highly analytical mind. This makes them good investigators and researchers. They also have the ability to probe into a person's emotions and they can often see into people and detect what their motives are. This makes them great policemen or interrogators. (I live through my husband’s police work. Actually, I can totally see through people.)

Before a Virgo plunges into anything, from a problem to a vacation idea, they need to analyze all the facts and know all the details before they plunge in and make a decision. This makes them seem indecisive and slow. (I am very indecisive.)

Deep inside, Virgo is very sensitive and they need to be appreciated for all the things they do. When is Virgo is offended or hurt, they may never show it. (True)

Virgo exists in the mind, everything is inside. To the world, Virgo presents a calm and collected exterior but on the inside, nervous uncontrolled intensity in the mind, trying to figure things out, how to improve everything, analyzing and thinking. Virgo can tire itself out without even moving! Virgo has a constant drive to improve and perfect, this can lead to extreme pickiness and finickiest. They are pure, their motives are honest never malicious and they want to accomplish something. (I guess Virgo is the perfect sign for me!)

5.) Ice cream!! ICE CREAM!! We all scream for ice cream! Name your favorite flavor/brand!

Always chocolate chip. Or chocolate chip cookie dough.

6.) Name the blog you credit for linking up with us today? Seriously Shawn.

7.) Suggest a question you want to see in future WWTK's!

My 4 year old daughter likes to walk around and poll us. She asks us, “What do you like about your family? And then goes on to ask us “What do you like about (insert each family member’s name)?”

Yeah, that would be a good one!

OK folks, drop on by and say hello! Until next time....

One Year Later

2011-05-28T22:28:00.000-07:00

Guess who's back, back again, hell no, it's not Shady, it's Stella!

I'm sure all 13 of you followers missed me! But, go ahead, tell all of your blogger friends, Stella's back! I'm excited because I just booked a nice 3 night getaway to Greer, AZ. Check out the last post from August 2010. Same cabin, same husband, same kids....one year older!!! I'm telling you, there's nothing like getting back to nature!

Yeah, I may be all about the beach (St. Pete Beach, Feb. 2011), but it's nice to be cozy in a cabin in the woods eating Smores by the campfire with lots o' Coors Light. I'm an easy gal'....;) Until next time!

Everybody Needs A Little Time Away

2010-08-31T20:46:00.000-07:00

Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer. Go some distance away because then the work appears smaller and more of it can be taken in at a glance and a lack of harmony and proportion is more readily seen. - Leonardo Da Vinci

No Internet, No Cell Phone Reception, Just The Ones That Mean The Most

I may not always be about the beach....some days I take the back woods with a Coors Light.

Are You There God, It's Me Stella?

2010-06-23T21:47:00.000-07:00

Isn't that a catchy title? I bet everyone of you have read that Judy Blume book when you were 12 over and over and over again. Judy Blume wrote awesome books when we were growing up. The only adult book I know of it Sisters and it was good. Well, yep, it's been almost two months since I've blogged. What excuses do I have?

My Daughter's 3rd Birthday Party
Coordinator of a 3 day Summer Institute Conference with over 40 workshop sessions for faculty
Upgraded to a new online learning system
Ended a semester teaching 3 courses in addition to my full time job, starting a new semester teaching one.
Visited with family
Trying to organize my home
And oh yeah, I have a 5 and 3 year old keeping me busy.....

Boy, I sound like a dork! As my DH is working, kids finally asleep, I decided to not lay in bed with Blue Bistro by Elin Hildenbrand. Instead, I wanted to give a shout out to all my 13 followers...woot! woot!

Now, this weekend I'm off to see Toy Story 3 with the kids....has anyone noticed the advertising on Toy Story 3 inside every single store you walk into? My kids are drooling at the mouth. But, you know what, out of all the Disney movies and toys geared toward kids..Toy Story certainly gets two thumbs up. No mama deer is being shot (Bambi), dog gets caught in the fire (Bolt), flying monkeys and witches (Wizard of Oz), crazy chocolate man (Willy Wonka), you know the drill...although I did hear Toy Story 3 was sad from the adult perspective.

Now, maybe I should rethink this..because we play Toy Story 3 Dominos and I don't know how many times I have giggled like a naughty school girl when I saw, "Does anyone have a Woody?" and my son says, "I have two Woody's." Or, "Does anyone have a Buzz?" and my daughter says, "I wish I had a buzz." Well you know what girl, I wish I had one too. ;)

To Be Young Again

2010-05-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

So, this is my daughter JoJo. We were at her big brother's t-ball game. Where could you find her? She was off in left field dancing to her own beat.

It makes me think of the song:

That's my little right brained child! So carefree!

Las Vegas Baby!

2010-04-30T22:33:00.000-07:00

The past few months, things have been really good around here, but very hectic. It's just a busy schedule with our quaint little family of four. Fortunately, we have my parents "out here" so they can jump in with the kiddos anytime they are available..which means it's a well deserved long weekend for my hubby and I. It wasn't always this way, as it was a tough three years without family near us.

So, a few months back, we saw that Ray Romano and Kevin James were going to be in Vegas. Now, DH and I LOVE, did I say LOVE Kevin James. He brings out the best in us..Yes, he makes my husband laugh so hard he cries, and that was one of the many reasons I fell in love with my husband. You see, we're in a really good place right now and I want to hold on to it for awhile. I mean, how can you not laugh with this stuff:

So, we took a long weekend...nice road trip...not too far from home, but still far enough away. I was able to chill poolside with a nice drink and good book in hand. The weather was mid 80s..perfect for sunning. And, even though it wasn't "Stella About The Beach", I'll take poolside anyday! We really got to enjoy each other and just be who we were 13 years ago when we met...no worries..just each other.

I love the pic below. We were at a little Paris cafe (Las Vegas) at 2:00 AM after the show. I ordered a mimosa...why not? And, I thought I was looking sassy, but I really look like a biotch...we had fun looking at the pics the next morning.

From Tom Collins to Whiskey Sours, Top Dollar and Wheel of Fortune, Sushi to Italian...I can't wait until we can do this again. This really was one of my favorite trips with DH.

You Will Always Be My Baby!

2010-03-11T15:46:00.000-08:00

This morning, I was holding my baby girl, Jo, in my lap and I began to rock her. She'll be three in May and was needing some Mommy time this morning....or so I thought. She looks up into my eyes...those eyes that saw me for the first time...that mother/daughter bond and I see myself in the reflection of her eyes. She says, "Don't rock me, I'm not a baby anymore!"

And that's how the ball rolls, my friends.....Boo, hoo hoo hoo!

Darling, you will always be my baby girl! And don't you ever forget that!

Umm, Mommy Needs To Go Back To School

2010-03-04T09:42:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, we were leaving my parents house that overlooks a large open field. We often see cows, coyotes, antelopes, and whatever other little creatures that may scurry on by.

This picture was from this past summer and yes, we are making sure the cows get enough to drink. I don't think the neighbors cared too much for us.

My ~~very active~~ precious 5 year old son decides he's going to do a few laps around the driveway, around my vehicle, on the lawn, etc. I say, (being the good Mom that I am) "We have to leave before the coyotes come out. It's starting to get dark." My son willingly jumps in his car seat and we say our good byes.

On our 17 minute drive home, Jake says, "Mom, are coyotes nocturnal?"

Me: Umm, uhhhh, yeah, well sure they are!
(I mean, if coyotes are seen during the day, and they come out at night, well, then they're nocturnal. Right?)

As he could see hesitation in my voice, he says, "Owls are nocturnal, I think coyotes are too."

See, I'm a bad test taker...I was always looking for ways to see how the other answers were correct if you threw in this variable or that variable. I was a damn good at projects though!

So, for all of you who only thought owls were nocturnal...here it goes:

noc·tur·nal
–adjective1.of or pertaining to the night (opposed to diurnal).2.done, occurring, or coming at night: nocturnal visit.3.active at night (opposed to diurnal): nocturnal animals.4.opening by night and closing by day, as certain flowers (opposed to diurnal).a

–noun5.Archaic. an astrolabe for telling time at night or for determining latitude by the position of certain stars in reference to Polaris.

So yes, I have answered my own question....Coyotes are active at night....I hear the pack laughing when they find a good catch, so they must be nocturnal.

So, yesterday, Jake says to me..."I think I'm nocturnal because I can get out of bed at night and see in the dark." Damn that must be a good lesson they are teaching them at Preschool.

(http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/070320/billy_l.jpg)

This will be me soon...remember Billy Madison?

I Am Me

2010-02-28T19:34:00.000-08:00

The past few days I've been reflecting a lot on who I really am. I am a wife, mother, friend, daughter, manager, PTA President, yet I tend to change in the roles that I am in. I am merely a character in this play called life with all these different roles. I do the best I can in all I do, and that's what I ask of those around me too. So, how did I play these different roles this week?

I was the wife of a police officer, as I sat with is squad during dinner keeping my children occupied with flash cards.

I was the overzealous mother at my son's Kindergarten orientation making sure this school has the foundation in order to give him the opportunity at success in his life. Then, we were family, as my husband and I took our son to Applebee's to celebrate.

I was the working mother as I rushed home during my lunch hour and prepared rigatoni for dinner that night.

I was the PTA President as I discussed some easy fundraisers to bring money into my children's current school. We're looking at having a restaurant give back 10% of its proceeds on a given night.

I was the provider as I rushed to Costco, again during my lunch hour and stocked up on some items in the house.

I was the housekeeper doing laundry until 11:00 PM at night, then back at it at 7:00 AM the next morning.

I was the worried parent as I ached in my heart knowing that my daughter has knock knees. I told the doctor two years ago that I thought she had them, as I have gone through life with them too. The doctor stated she would grow into them and it was too early to tell. I can tell now. A mother's insticts are always correct.

I was the daughter as I sat at my Mom's house while the kids were napping enjoying a cup of coffee and just talking with her. It's moments like this that I have to appreciate as life is too short and I'll never know when I'll be reminising of days like this.

I was the workout queen as I've found my peace on the weekend mornings spending a few minutes to myself on the elliptical. At first I was guilty doing something for myself, but now I suppress the guilty feelings. I need this. It provides the escape I need from everyday reality.

I was a little girl giddy with excitement as my husband and I have begun a fresh start. Sleep deprivation is not fun. We are finally on a schedule that works for us, and to top it off, we just booked a getaway to Vegas for a few nights...and an evening with Kevin James and Ray Romano. Kevin James is our favorite comedian, and this will be a night of many laughs. I love when my husband laughs so hard and tears come down his face.

And yet, as I look upon this upcoming week, I'll play the same roles, but you never know how the ending will turn out. So, this was a little bit about me this week. How about you?

There's Always Someone Watching Over Us

2010-02-22T11:10:00.000-08:00

There's a benefit tonight throughout all the Texas Roadhouses across Arizona "In Honor of our Fallen Officers" including Lt. Eric Shuhandler of the Gilbert Police Department.

I was a little upset because I teach on Monday nights, so I wouldn't be able to join my husband and our two kids for this benefit. His squad's spouses and kids were all going and I felt bad, because I couldn't just cancel class. It's not my style. I have a responsibility and need to be there.

So, as I woke up this morning and let out the dogs, I saw a sleeting rain come down, then turn into snow. I got the kids ready for school as the snow kept coming down..yeah it's supposed to subside this afternoon. So, what comes in my work email, "All evening classes (after 4 pm) at all campuses are canceled due to inclement weather."

Now, I was raised Catholic and always believed there is a higher being above us. I may not go to Church or even say my prayers, but I believe in the golden rule, have a deep empathy for those around me, and know good things will come to those who believe.

Thank you for letting me be a part of this police community for one evening. God bless our fallen officers, not only in Arizona, but all across the U.S.

My Son Has Psychic Abilities

2010-02-18T09:23:00.000-08:00

It's been over five years now and I've always had this inclination that my son has this secret inner strength to him. It started when I was pregnant with my son and my Mom went to a psychic. The psychic told my Mom that my son (which we didn't know the gender) is a "special" child. Well, what the hell does "special" mean? Now, I tend to lean toward the obsessive side of life and didn't know how to take that label. As I have learned through the years, let's just say my son is very "special".

There have been instances over the years that have stopped me in my shoes as I looked at my son in amazement, but just shook off the notion that he could see beyond reality. So, I've been starting to embed some of these events in my head and wanted to share some with you.

It was a beautiful night in Arizona and we could see stars for miles. Jake said to me, "I'm going to see a shooting star." I told him we could certainly look for one and to keep his eyes open...I'll be damned, not a moment later, there appeared a shooting star and I saw pure joy in my child's eyes.

A week or two later, I was with my little man in bed. You see, this is when we still co-slept together. Some of you know the story of how my kiddos shared a room together. When my little girl was born and moved from the bassinet to the crib, I booted my son out of the room, because he enjoyed keeping his sister awake and it took a lot of time to get him to sleep. Throw in that my DH was working graveyards and didn't sleep with me anyway, so I had my little man who would watch TV as I read a book for a half hour or so and then we'd go to bed. Well, I was reading Dear John by Nicholas Sparks and I read a passage that talked about Will. Well, just as I read his name, my son says out of nowhere, "Will rhymes with Phil." I looked over at him and smiled and agreed with him.

This last instance occurred as I was driving back from my parents house one weekend. My daughter had dozed off in her car seat and Jake was looking out the window. I had the radio tuned into Country. Well, Tim McGraw's, "My Little Girl" song came on.

I got lost in the song and got teary eyed thinking about my own JoJo and how my husband is protective of his own "little girl." I remember thinking how this song would be a beautiful wedding song and envisioned Jordan as a big girl and my husband dancing with her....okay, now you know my inner thoughts and I'm a dork, but yes, this is what I was thinking. Especially the lyrics:

"Someday, some boy will come and ask me for your hand
But I won't say "yes" to him unless I know, he's the halfThat makes you whole, he has a poet's soul, and the heart of a man's manI know he'll say that he's in loveBut between you and meHe won't be good enough"

Well, as we're riding quiet through the night and I'm lost in my thoughts, my son says to me "Mama, I want to go to a wedding sometime. Do you want to go with me?"

And that my friends is why I think my son is psychic. He certainly is a "special" boy?

Do you think I'm just an overzealous mother who thinks her children are the best in the world? If so, who the hell cares, they are the best in the world.....every mother should have that thought about their own kids. Right? If you don't, why the hell not?

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

2010-02-16T15:27:00.000-08:00

I can remember being a little girl and watching the Wizard of Oz as it came on TV every year. It was a big night that we all geared up with popcorn and pop (yes I'm from the Western NY), or shall I say soda? It's just one of those feel good classic movies. So, let's back up a bit, last summer, Jake became very interested in tornados. He went to a half day summer camp with Tornado Chaser Tim Samaras. Then, he saw a Wizard of Oz preview and we had to get it on DVD when it came out last fall!

Let's just say the Wizard of Oz became a staple in our home. But, what's interesting is my 2 1/2 year old little girl became a fan. And, when the bad witch came on, she'd hold her hands over her eyes. I questioned myself as a Mom, "Should I really let my kids watch the Wizard of Oz?" especially when they are 5 and almost 3 now. And, you know what, I think yes. It was a Friday night and my DH was getting ready for work. I bought the DVD and was just as excited to watch it as my son was...Jordan didn't quite know what it was at the time. It was movie night..we got the popcorn, we got the juice boxes, we had our bathes and blankies. And you know what, I was excited...too darn excited to be exact. And my DH stopped and watched the beginning with us for awhile. He said how he remembers watching this show when it came on as a kid. And, he said it was too bad he had to head to work, cause he wanted to watch it with us.

Now, I think the DVD wore off on us...Jake's on to watching Twister these days....do you see a theme? Another tornado movie...only $5 at Target and Jake is the one that spotted the cover. And, we have Tornado Chasers DVRed on our TV that certainly has got a lot of use. We found a book at Barnes & Noble called Tornado Alley that is kid friendly. We've read it A LOT! But, it's these pics that are fun...when your little girl takes all the Wizard of Oz dolls of the shelf at Barnes and Noble, lines it up and plays with them.

Know what else I really enjoy....when the kids start to pick up on the little things, like the horses changing colors in the Wizard of Oz, or when your little boy imitates the lollipop kids and your little girl imitates the ballerinas...they put on a show for you...they are only little once, and these are the memories which I've enjoyed! Seriously, my son doing the lollipop kids is hilarious...I will have to secretly record him.

How do you feel about the Wizard of Oz? What are your fondest memories?

VGNO - Virtual Girls Night Out

2010-02-10T09:17:00.000-08:00

So, I think I need to start letting loose again. DH works Friday nights, so I should be a part of the Virtual Girls Night Out! Ann over at Ann Again...And Again hosted the party last week, so I'm a bit late, but let's see how this goes for now.

Name 3 Places You Would Rather Be Right Now:1.) It wouldn't be Stella...Always About The Beach if I didn't mention a beach. Basically, I would love to be sipping a drink on any beach with my DH. Right now the Sandals Resort in the Bahamas seems good.
2.) Laying poolside in the hot sun with a good book and beverage.
3.) At a broadway show in London, England
Name 3 Things You Will NEVER Drink Again:1.) Getting me to not drink anything NEVER again probably won't happen, but what the heck....Butterscotch Schnops...
2.) Lemon Drops...although I will drink Vodka
3.) Moonshine
People You Would Like To Have Dinner With-Not necessarily at the same time:1.) Definately DH, it's been too long since date night.
2.) Matt Damon
3.) Cameron Diaz - she'd be a hoot to have a few drinks with...

So, I think I got this thing going....so I'll see ya'll on Friday at the next VGNO!

Holding It All Inside

2010-02-02T13:04:00.000-08:00

My husband didn't know this, but I quietly opened the door to the guest room where he was sleeping fighting off a fever and nasty cold. I watched him and was happy he was home safe in his bed. Now, I keep arguing with him saying that he could have pneumonia, but he doesn't believe in going to the Doctor. "They're all crooks and all we do is pad their wallets so they can go and find fancy cars. Half of them have no clue what they are saying." So, through all that, the coughing, the fever, I still value the time he is home.

Arizona lost a fine police officer this week. Lt. Eric Shuhandler was a member of the Gilbert Police Department.

He worked closely with my brother every day. He was at my brother's wedding. And, he was shot in the face by scum of the earth while on a traffic stop. My heart aches everytime I think of his two daughters 10 and12 not growing up with their father. I too, was 12 years old, when my father, who was a Lt. was killed. My heart aches for his ex-wife, who felt the police life was not for her, yet he was still the father of her children. My heart aches for the Gilbert Police Department because they are a band of brothers...and my heart aches for my brother, who tries to hold it all inside, when he is hurting.

And, I look at my husband, and he's hurting too. He has said numerous times "there is no such thing as a routine traffic stop." But, you know, my sister-in-law said it best, "I am proud to be a wife in the police department." And I am too.

I don't let others see how deeply this story has affected me. I must be strong and continue on. It's just so hard when it hits close to home.

RIP Lt. Eric Shuhandler. Thank you for your service to our community.

Are You Seriously Looking For A Yummy Treat?

2010-01-20T10:04:00.000-08:00

The family and I spent Monday together as I made some homemade spaghetti, and it was de-lish! So for dessert, we did:

Betty Crocker Cookie Brownie Bars

And on top of the "just out of the oven" cookie brownies, we added:

Girl Scout Tagalong Ice Cream

OMG - I was in heaven!!!! Now, I need help for this:

I recommend this to anyone....the dessert, not the get your butt in shape....

Ross's Booger

2010-01-16T18:32:00.000-08:00

It's too bad the Pittsburgh Steelers didn't make it into playoffs this year. My huband and I met, fell in love and all that other fun stuff outside of Pittsburgh, so it holds a special place in our hearts. So, my soon-to-be 5 year old is obsessed with Steelers football. He got the uniform for Christmas along with a helmet. It doesn't matter what team is playing, he's "Ross's Booger". (Quarterback = Ben Roethlisberger) Yes, he will someday follow in the footsteps of Ross's Booger. I can only wish him the best in life......Here's to Ross's Booger!

I Just Threw Up In My Mouth A Little Bit

2010-01-07T19:46:00.000-08:00

I have to give a shout out to my anonymous girl, Terry Lopez, for turning me on to this story. She found it at another fellow Mommy blogger at Blue Monday.

Warning: Graphic Content...but I know you Mommies can handle it...seriously, what do you think?

The Buffet Line

2010-01-05T08:57:00.000-08:00

DH and I are not really the parents who take our 4 (almost 5 year old) very active boy and 2 1/2 year old girl, who follows her big brother everywhere, out to dinner. Yes, we've gone out to restaurants with them, although we've packed up dinners and taken them home by the time the main dish arrives. Well, hey, it's enough to suck down a beer. But, my word of advice, it you go somewhere that has a buffet line, which we did on our NPX trip, then please don't bring your child to the buffet line. Let them sit in their chairs while Daddy and Mommy take turns.

The scenario went something like this to begin...Mommy and Jordan go up to get their plates. Jake decides he wants to come with us and not wait for Daddy. So, he darts off behind us. The first items, a fruit tray, a cheese and cracker tray. All hands go for the fruit...as I dart to grab their hands off of every piece of fruit, the other goes for the cheese tray. Cheese cubes tumble to the ground, fruit pieces everywhere. A loud yell across the restaurant to get my DH to grab the kiddos. All eyes on me...yeah, I think so, what do I do? Take my foot and kick the food that was dropped on the floor underneath the table. Smile as I give my children to my DH and suck down a drink....well, what would you do?

How Many Times Can We Thank God In This Blog

2010-01-04T12:32:00.000-08:00

I've been MIA for a few weeks as I vowed to not do anything (except housework and play with the kids). Some of you may know how my family won the North Pole Experience Trip to Santa's Workshop. We decided to take off a few days prior to Christmas and enjoy some time together. DH really needed some time and I did too. We headed out to the White Mountains in Arizona. As we are leaving, there are flurries in the sky. DH checks the weather and it called for 12-18 inches in the mountains. Just in time to get into the Christmas spirit. There were a few things we learned on our road trip. When you got to go, you got to go! My youngest just finished potty training ...thank GOD! But, she refuses to go on a toilet in a public place. So, we bring our handy dandy toilet with us...and yes I did bring this into McDonald's as she had to go. What do you do when you're in the middle of nowhere and have to go...well take pictures of your daughter as she goes #2.

So, as we continue on our trip, the weather gets pretty bad and we are basically making the tracks on the road. Again, thank GOD for 4 wheel drive trucks!

I'm pretty sure our kids should be thankful for this trip. Once we arrived to our destination..on a normal day would have took 5 hours, we got to our cabin in the woods. We actually had "Dean" drive a John Deere tractor to plow our way. Yes, we flagged him down on the main road. Thank GOD we found him driving down the road. But, oh isn't the cabin so cozy?

It was so cozy that my DH wants his ashes to float down the Little Colorado River if something happens to him while we crack open an ice-cold Coors Light. So, on we went to Santa's Workshop, where we built toys, ate cookies, had hot chocolate, and got to meet Santa.

Dinner at the lodge.

Then at Santa's Workshop.

The next few days we really spent time together as a family. We had no cares in the world except being together. And, it was good...really, really good. Thank GOD for family. Through good times and bad, we will always have each other!

Thank you DH for such a memorable trip together. Here's to 10 years in 2010!

And, here's a belated Merry Christmas to ya'll and to all a good night! Yes, this was my Christmas card that I sent out a few days before Christmas. Turned out pretty cute? Didn't it?

Being A Police Wife..I Mean Pizza Wife

2009-12-16T13:30:00.000-08:00

There have been a few stories that have happened over the past few months that typically don't happen to the average family, but to the police family. We typically order a pizza...oh, let's say once a week for dinner. We do prepare a nice salad to go along with..if that sounds any better. The kiddo's need those veggies, right? So, let me set this story up for you. I met DH for lunch one day at this pizza joint downtown. He had off, I was working near by, kids were at school, we take date time when we can get it. Well, the host was someone who my DH had arrested on DUI a few months earlier. Well, OK, we knew this because he was our host before and made a comment to DH. A few days earlier, he had arrested the waitress for stealing and was under investigation for some other things. We didn't think she'd be working, but the host as he walked into the kitchen yells, "Guess who's here. And you're going to wait on him." Yeah, very loud for everyone to hear. So, my DH gets up and says, "Sorry hon, we're leaving." As we walk out, the host (who turned into this punk) sees us leaving and says, "Hey, don't leave, I'll serve you if you want."

So, let's fast forward a few months later. We order pizza (not from the same place). We are waiting and waiting and waiting. An hour goes by (with two very fussy kids..and me drinking my red vino till the pizza comes), when we get a phone call. Well, our wonderful pizza delivery boy gets pulled over to tell us he'd be late cause he got pulled over "by a cop". Nice....DH turns on his radio and see it's his buddy that pulled him over. So, he gives him a call on his cell phone while the guy is still pulled over. It would have been very humorous, except the pizza guy had been arrested a few weeks prior to that...and now he is delivering to us...and knows where we live. So, we call the pizza place and cancel our order. Poor kids...had to fix them something in the house. We're running out of pizza options folks! Does this happen to you?

Tune in for some more police stories that have intertwined with our personal lives.

That Pill So You Can't Have Any More Babies

2009-12-10T12:57:00.000-08:00

Scenario: The kids are sitting at the kitchen counter stools eating their dinner. We just went through the Pharmacy drive-through so I could pick up "the pill" which I was a day late.

Me: (swallowing pill)
Jake: "Is that the pill so you can't have any more babies?"
Me: "Yes, you and Jordan are all I need"
Jake: "I don't want any more brothers or sisters. I just want Jordan."
Jake looks at Jordan
Jake: "Jordan, I was waiting for you for awhile. When you were a little baby, I was waiting for you to grow and grow. I wanted you for my sister."

Yep, got teary eyed on that one. Don't know where it came from, but was the sweetest darn thing.

OMG My DH is an AH! LOL!

2009-12-09T13:27:00.000-08:00

So, hubby asks the other day, "What does DH stand for?". I know he likes to read my blogs cause in his silly, sarcastic way, he always brings up little things I say and we get in the lovey dovey battle of him being an arse. So, in Stella's world, "DH" has always stood for "Dear Husband". Isn't that sweet? I asked my hubby what he thought it meant and in his manly state, he said "Da Husband"...what? This isn't "Da Bears". So, he thought I made this up and I said, it's web terminology like, LOL or OMG. DH is just another one of them. So, the rest of the evening, he said that my next blog would be, "OMG, my DH is such as AH." He continued to mention it throughout the evening, so I told him he'd be reading about himself online next...Here's my promise to you love! And, to think I also made a promise to you 9 1/2 years ago. But, the funny thing is, I did google "What is DH?" to make sure I was using it right....because DickHead did pop up?

Framing the Future

2009-12-07T14:33:00.000-08:00

This past October, I was an integral part of my children's first school fundraiser. Now, I'm pretty proud of the laboratory school where my children go, as it is one of the highest quality 3 months - 5 year schools around! We held a fundraiser where we brought in over $20,000. Not bad for the first fundraiser we ever did. Our event was called, Framing the Future. We took the children's artwork and had a silent auction on the artwork which went over well.

So, on Friday, I picked up my 2 1/2 year old daughter with numerous painting projects that she did that day. Now, I have a tupper ware bin for my son and daughter, where I put the "good" projects...all the others get tossed, or to be environmental friendly, ahem...recycled. But, I saw these 6 paintings and they were pretty great!

And well, I got an idea for a lovely last minute gift for my family.

I went to Michael's and bought five 5 x 7 frames (on sale for $3.49 each). Then I bought five framed mattes (is that the right word for $1.49 each).

I also purchased these cute little heart and flower shaped buttons to glue on to the frame after I was done.

It took me a few minutes as I framed the pictures just perfectly and cut them out.

I cut out the picture and added it to the frame.

I added the cute little buttons as the last touch, and call it, "Designs by JoJo 2009".

I am very impressed with my creative skills, as I thought I lost touch with my inner self.

Hubby came home from work at 7:30 AM this morning and was quite impressed with my creations. I think I have a budding little artist on my hands. A gift with a personal touch.....Happy Holidays Ya'll!!

Hoping That Phone Doesn't Ring

2009-12-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

So, I often keep my phone on vibrate while I'm at work. Then, I leave, shove my phone in my purse, get the kids, unload the car, make dinner, put things away....DH leaves for work around 7:00 PM. As I finish cleaning up the kitchen, I take my phone out of my purse and instead of keeping it on vibrate while the kids go to bed, I turn it on loud. We don't use a land line anymore and I wonder, God forbid, if anything ever happened, would I hear my phone ring if it was on vibrate? I don't ever want that call...although DH says his Sgt. would come over to our house along with a few other guys that I know.

I just put my phone on loud as I get ready for bed. I hope all my friends out there never get that call....or door bell rung in the middle of the night. Hopefully history doesn't repeat itself...I was the only one home when they rang the door bell to tell me about my Dad 21 years ago.

Be safe out there!

Turning 60 Twice

2009-12-04T15:07:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you have to lose something to gain a wonderful gift. A few weeks ago was my "step-dad's" 60th birthday. The funny thing is, we actually had his 60th birthday bash back in October so family could fly out to beautiful AZ before the weather turned crappy back East. We had 14 of his family members fly into town. His 84 year old parents also flew all the way across the country for birthday wishes!

Jordan and Great-Grandma Betty

Jake and Great Pops - they share the same birthday that spans 80 years!

Now these aren't my children's biological great grandparents, but they are the only grandparents my children have ever known. I am thankful how they have shown so much love to my family, when they were just getting to know me in my rebellious teenage years.

Hanging out with cousins

Now, as I have the opportunity to spend quality time with my folks, I see how important it is to postive influences surrounding them. I once cut out a newspaper column from Dear Abby or Ann Landers about a Stepfather's Gift, but can't find it anywhere. If anyone comes across it, please share it with me.

So as we move toward this holiday season, I'm thankful for not just having one father until I was 12, but two. Happy birthday Steiner....twice! Thanks for sharing your family with me.

Fill In The Blank

2009-12-02T09:00:00.001-08:00

So Jakey says this the other day.

___________ is better than chocolate.

Any takers?

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T17:34:00.000-08:00

The past few weeks I have been extremely crazy and hectic feeling like there is not enough time in the day to do the things I want to do. I'm sure many of you feel that way as well. Right now, I am thankful that I have the next 5 days off from work and am leaving my office knowing everything else can wait. I'll be enjoying this fine holiday with my husband, parents and children as my parents only live moments away. From NY to AZ, I realize it does take a village to raise a family and that is why I am grateful where I am today. Who couldn't be blessed when they have these adorable kids to raise!

Happy Thanksgiving!

From My Family to Yours

And now to bring out my personality, since I feel I haven't had time to show it...this is for all my new friends who are police wives:

WHY DID THE POLICE ARREST THE TURKEY?

drum roll please.....

THEY SUSPECTED IT OF "FOWL" PLAY!!!!

thank you...thank you...I'll be here all evening! And to you a good night!

Rare Form

2009-11-19T08:10:00.000-08:00

Last evening was cozy as we all gathered on the couch for a little while and chatted as a family...OK, so maybe there was a show going on in the background.... Now, my son has never been the "nose picker", although many of his friends have been known to do it. But, my daughter has started to exhibit some signs. So, I see my daughter picking something out of her nose and she takes "it" and wipes it on the wine glass that was in my hand.

Conversation went something like this:

Laughter and running around the room by Jordan after she did the deed.

Jake: "That's not the kind of girl I'm going to marry."
Me: "What do you mean, Jake?"
Jake: "I'm going to marry a nice girl, someone who is nice to you, and nice to me"
"Not someone who puts bugars on your wine glass"

You can't really see it well from this photo. Notice there is no wine left in the glass.

You have got to love kids!

I did it!

2009-11-12T18:44:00.000-08:00

I drove by myself to Phoenix in traffic. I got there without any issues. I'm awaiting my flight back to Phoenix, and should have a quiet, late drive home. I am proud of myself for conquering my fears. What else is there to say?

The Honest Scrap Award

2009-11-10T13:19:00.000-08:00

Thanks Mrs. Fuzz from A Police Wife for passing along the Honest Scrap Award. In order to accept the Honest Scrap Award you must list 10 honest things about yourself and then pass the award along to seven other bloggers.

Since I've been absent, which is equivalent to extremely busy and no time for ME, I thought I would go ahead and give ya'll some honest feedback.

1) I am attending an E-Learning Symposium in Houston on Thursday. It's a quick trip as I fly out on Wednesday and come home late Thursday night. Well, and here's my honesty....I have never driven to the airport. I usually will go with family or take the Shuttle. I really dislike driving in traffic and the Shuttle won't be available to pick me up Thursday night...so I have to drive myself...Have you been to Phoenix lately? It's like driving in L.A. Lord, let me get through this!

2) I dislike driving in large cities...in fact, I don't do it! (unless I have too) ;( But, I will visit my brother and sister-in-law and have that route down pat! I think this derives from my father passing away in a car accident when I was 12. Yes, that must be it! I could be a psychologist.

3) I use to pride myself and being clean and organized. Since having kids, that has all gone down the drain...look what they do to me..all their art supplies...stuffed in tupperware bins..you should see my kitchen drawers...yikes!

4) I was the Sophomore Homecoming Queen in college. It poured down raining in the float and at the football game. I was wearing a purple suit..again...yikes! What was I thinking?

5) I have no patience for complainers. Everybody has their story, so let's make it a positive experience. Now sarcasm if a different case. Sarcasm can be funny.

6) I'm a bit insensitive when it comes to beggers on the street. Again we all make choices to where we are today. There are people that work hard and have mulitple jobs just to get by. Plus, I listen to the types of people my husband has to deal with on a daily basis, and the "common people" will never understand. Some of these people are the ones who put my husband in harms way. Ouch...did I say that out loud???

7) I'd rather read a book than watch a movie; however, I am a bit obsessed by the whole Jon and Kate Gosselin drama, but I haven't even really been able to keep up with that.

8) I dislike talking on the phone.

9) As you can tell from the title of my blog...I would give anything for time away...at the beach..ocean...somewhere with sunshine and water, a cold beverage..perhaps an icy beer or fruity rum drink...and a good book...now that's the life....BUT...

10) I would give anything to make sure my kids are healthy and happy. They mean the world to me, and even through all the sibling rivalry, fussiness, whining, strong willed personalities...I wouldn't change a thing. And, I think my kids are the greatest in the world.

This kept them entertained for an hour this weekend!

Remember how easy life can be!!

Watch it through the eyes of a child and it will give you perspective.

Halloween Signifies The Start of the Holiday Season

2009-11-02T13:05:00.000-08:00

I was very excited on Friday as I took my kids to Portrait Park By J for their annual Pumpkin Patch photos. I've been going here since Jake was born and it is now tradition to get some great (and cheap) photo opportunities. A few days before Friday, I thought that they really didn't have an outfit to wear, so I headed over to Children's Place (Had a 20% off coupon) and found the most adorable outfits for the kids this fall. You see, we're going to be on TV next week and also have an event in Phoenix next Saturday, so these outfits will be worn well over the next month.

The only problem is Jordan did NOT want me to take her picture. One trait she got from both her parents is being stubborn! But, Jakey was all about posing in his little blazer and faded jeans. When the original pics come in, I'll be sure to post it, as it turned out really cute!

Which leads me into Halloween.....please remember what I said about being stubborn. I decided to get the kids outfits early this year..does mid-October count as early? For what it's worth, Jake's Scooby Doo outfit was back ordered and they came in a few weeks later. I was very proud of my son, who decided to go with Scooby Doo over a fake "super-hero" like Spiderman (which he was last year). It was very sweet when he told me that Spiderman, Batman, Superman are all fake superheros. His Daddy is a real superhero...In fact, I teared up when he said that. And, my dear daughter has been in love with Mickey...see her 2 year birthday cake my Mom made her.

So, she picked out a Minnie Mouse costume. So, when the costumes arrived, Jordan all of a sudden wanted to be Scooby Doo and wanted NOTHING to do with Minnie Mouse. Hmmm, I wonder why? So, I figured out she wanted to do anything and everything that her big brother does, so I asked her if she wanted to wear Jake's Spiderman costume from last year. Of course, her answer is YES. So, both kids romped around "pretend" trick or treating in their Scooby Doo and Spiderman outfits. As Halloween approached, we headed over to my girlfriends house where we all meet up and go trick or treating. I brought the Minnie Mouse costume, but had Spiderman for back up. Much to my delight...Jordan decided she didn't want to dress up at all...so she chose to go as the "yoga instructor" in her stretch black pants and sweatshirt. (Thanks for the pic JJ)

So, even thought Jo Jo didn't want to dress up, she still had fun trick o' treatin'. She enjoyed running up to the house and hanging with all the bigger kids and laughing and enjoying the night. Fun was had by all on Halloween night, while my DH worked downtown Whiskey Row. Let's just say he saw some very interesting and very skimpy costumes that night.

Now that Halloween has come and gone, it's officially the start of the Holiday season. Let's plan the Thanksgiving Festivities, our trip to Greer to Santa's Workshop, and my favorite holiday, Christmas. I love everything about decorating, making cookies, going to the Christmas parades, including the night time electric parade, caroling, all the Christmas movies....oh yeah...the holiday season has just begun!!

What Are The Odds? I Don't Do Math Well.

2009-10-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Picture this....(I sound like Sophia from the Golden Girls)...Sicily...1931...No really, it's a beautiful July summer weekend and I'm heading to Freedom Fun Station with the kiddos as we meet up with some friends. There are soccer sign-ups out front, so I take a gander, as I plan on getting Jake signed up for the fall..which by the way, he continues to amaze me with every game this season.

So, I come across a reindeer (not real of course, even though I certainly do believe). We take a gander over to the big reindeer and see that Santa's Reindeer have been kidnapped. Yes folks, it true. All of the reindeer are gone and Santa needed our help in finding them so Christmas would not be ruined this year. Basically, you had to take a picture of it and send it to him. So, since I always keep my camera in my big ol' Coach bag, I took it out, herded the kids together and sent in this pic.

Yes, we found Vixen! Well, much to my surprise....OK, I'll admit, I seriously had a gut instinct we'd win this whole time, well..we actually won the North Pole Experience to visit Santa's Workshop, along with a fabulous prize package. So, we won a trip to Greer, AZ. We get to take Santa's Candy Cane Express up to Santa's Workshop and build toys for other children with Santa and the Elves. Then we get a tour of his workshop and go back to the log cabin where Mrs. Claus will read stories with us and we can drink hot chocolate. There are also sleigh rides and just a good ol' traditional Christmas environment. You should really go to the site to see for yourself as I can't express how excited I am for the kids...well and me too. Along with this fabulous trip, we also won some other cool prizes like:

Arizona Diamondbacks Gift Bags
Annual Membership to the Phoenix Zoo
Annual Membership to the Reid Park Zoo
Weekend passes to Sunsplash and Cracker Jax in Phoenix
Movie Certificates, Restaurant Certificates, Toy Goodies from a lot of vendors all of Arizona

It really is an amazing package.

So, now it looks like we will be on azTV - AM Arizona on Thursday, November 5th where the kids will meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and we'll be talking about winning this grand prize. Then, we head to Stuffington Bear Company in Phoenix on November 7th where we will get the keys to Santa's Workshop and our goodie bag. There will be additional media there as well. So, this is my family's 15 minutes of fame. It will be fabulous!

And I say, what are the odds...9 families in Arizona win this great trip...My family winning....you do the math!

Let's Get This Blog Rolling Already!

2009-10-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I decided that it is time to get on board with this blogger stuff. I'm very familiar with how blogs work, hell, I even teach faculty at the college where I work how to create and use blogs, but I've never felt I had time to do it myself. To be honest with you, I've been torn in two. I have an alter ego personality. My first personality was really for educational purposes. I would post my blog about educational technology, online learning, teaching tips, but my heart was really telling me that I want to share information about being a Mom, being a police officer's wife...and really what a joy and struggle it all has been. So, when times are challenging, I always say it's about ME, Stella....and always about the beach..my happy place.

So, for my birthday weekend this year (end of August), my DH and I decided to go visit his Mom in Virginia Beach..without the kids.

It was fabulous to get away for a few days and soak up some sun. My MIL lives just a few blocks from the main Virginia Beach strip. We had fun riding beach bikes, which is not your typically sporty mountain bike..and yes, I almost wiped out. But, zooming on the beach boardwalk with a beach bike is amazing. We ate some fresh fish and got our fill of the beach. Just wish I could have spent one more day to myself relaxing near the shore.

I suppose I'll have to wait until next year..which if DH and I actually survive together, it will be our 10 year anniversary. So, of course, after we returned back to dry Arizona, I had to grab the kids and take them up to my brother and SIL for Labor Day Weekend.

They have a gorgeous pool, in which I am very jealous. But, we got to spend some quality time together. Mama at the beach the weekend before, the family all together Labor Day Weekend, well, almost all together..DH had to work...did I mention he is a police officer? So, when times get a tough...Stella is always about the beach!

Come back and visit, as I will be detailing you on the "Santa's Wonderland" Trip my family won!